Mirjam Bernhardt
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Investigations on Transport and Regulation of Natural ProductsPrincipal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Andreas Bechthold Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Phone: +49 (0) 761 - 203 8382
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Abstract
Streptomycetes are gram-positive bacteria, which are known to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites. These natural compounds can be pharmacologically active and have for example antibiotic, anticancer or antithrombotic effects. In our group we focus on the biosynthesis, the regulation and on the transport of these compounds.
Streptomyces bottropensis is a producer of Rishirilide A and B. This compound can be used for the treatment of fibrinolytic induced thrombosis, since it’s a α2-macroglobulin inhibitor.
The Biosynthetic pathway of this natural secondary metabolite is still unclear. We are investigating the biosynthesis by knock-out and overexpression experiments of certain genes of the gene cluster.
Moreover it is still unknown, how the molecule is transported through the membrane. There are four transporter genes in the gene cluster of Rishirilide. My work will focus on the T4 Transporter, which is a MFS (multi facilitator superfamily) transporter. It is probably responsible for the export of Rishirilide. We want to elucidate the crystal structure and the function of this T4 Transporter and whether Rishirilide is a substrate of it.
Methods
- Protein production and purification
- Production and purification of natural compounds
- Cultivation and handling of Streptomycetes
